About ACE

Acopian Center for the Environment

The Environmental Conservation and Research Center was founded in 1992 by Mr. Sarkis Acopian as a Center at the American University of Armenia overseeing research and academic programs. From the very beginning, it was the Center’s aim to protect Armenia’s biodiversity and natural resources through research, education and public involvement. In the autumn of 2008, the Environmental Conservation and Research Center (ECRC) was renamed the Acopian Center for the Environment (ACE) in honor of the center’s late benefactor, Mr. Sarkis Acopian. Our current projects cover a wide range of subjects from bird and butterfly research to wild plant species conservation and conservation education.

Our mission is to promote concern for the natural environment in Armenia through research, education and public outreach.

To reach our goals, the Acopian Center:

Promotes the protection of habitats necessary to support Armenia’s abundant flora and fauna

Focuses on bird and plant species that are biological indicators for the health of ecosystems as focal points for conservation goals

Educates students at the American University of Armenia and throughout Armenia about the biodiversity of Armenia and the importance of developing sustainable solutions for conserving it.

Partners with other conservation groups to encourage local, regional, and global cooperation for environmental conservation in Armenia.